Centuries-old cognac, Barracat crystal glassware and glittering Gatsby-esque interiors – you’ll find it all in these swanky Knightsbridge bars.
The district of Knightsbridge is a lap of luxury. Home to Harrods, five-star hotels and the city’s most opulent homes, an evening in this historic neighbourhood is one that will charm you into falling in love with London all over again. You won’t find many sweaty dancefloor bars here (venture over to Battersea for that), but there are plenty of beautiful, elegant venues that deliver perfectly balanced cocktails, Instagrammable interiors and all-round vibrant energy. Whether it’s a vintage armagnac in the moody Library Bar, or some alfresco summer sparkles in the Mandarin Oriental’s Hyde Park Garden, here are the best bars in Knightsbridge.
The Blue Bar at The Berkeley
The Berkeley is one of the most iconic and luxurious five-star hotels in London, and nestled inside is one of the most fashionable and evocative bars in Knightsbridge – the Blue Bar. This Lutyen-blue hidden gem seems to sit just outside of the normal ebb and flow of life, welcoming international jet-setters, hotel guests and local Londoners alike.
Cocktails served at this impressive hotel bar are colour-coded based on their flavour profiles and mixed with a bold selection of flavours like vanilla white port, myrtle and carob. If you prefer to know exactly what to expect from a drink, there are some less experimental cocktails on the menu such as the toffee-popcorn ‘Pop Connection’, as well as non-alcoholic cocktails. Food served at this Knightsbridge bar goes miles beyond standard bar nibbles: here you’ll find everything from angus beef sliders to yellowfin tuna tartare and beluga caviar.
The vibe at the Blue Bar is set by a niche set of vinyl music, and if you find the colourful interiors a little imposing, you can catch a glimpse of the stars in the venue’s new glass-lined pavilion while you enjoy your drink.
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The Library Bar
If you’re seeking the sort of bar that has the elegant atmosphere of an elite private members’ club without the expensive commitment, you’ll love The Library Bar in the lovely Lanesborough hotel. The dark wooden bookshelves and portrait-lined walls create an old-time classic vibe that will have you feeling as though you’re on a film set for The Kingsman or Downton Abbey, where any quiet conversation that can happen, will happen. This Knightsbridge bar is one of the city’s most revered cocktail destinations, delivering a classic menu of drinks made by award-winning mixologists.
Lovers of French brandies will feel well catered to in The Library Bar, which serves a selection of cognacs that date back to the 1770s (hence why the bar is affectionately nicknamed the ‘museum of spirits’). The Library Bar is popular with both hotel guests and Knightsbridge locals who know the difference between their cognac and armagnac, and it’s the perfect spot for a night of refined indulgence.
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Privée by Layalina
Sipping on cognac that predates the French Revolution is certainly sophisticated, but sometimes, what you need is an evening of raucous, let-off-some-steam fun, filled with live music, cabaret and dare we say it… karaoke. Privée by Layalina is one of the few Knightsbridge venues that delivers exactly that.
This multifunctional venue has a rich roster of entertainment ranging from cabaret to belly dancing and stand-up comedy. The karaoke nights at Privée are perfect for friendly get-togethers, and the drinks menu is playfully crafted with cocktails like the vodka-based ‘Hold On To Your Knickers’, and the tequila and zaatar ‘Not A Waste Of Thyme’.
To fill up beforehand (always sensible), the Lebanese restaurant upstairs delivers a punchy flavour-packed menu of authentic Levant cuisine, with dishes like skewered lamb in tahini and portobello shawarma.
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Hyde Park Garden (Mandarin Oriental)
London may be grey and drizzly most of the time, but as soon as the sun shows its face, locals flock to the nearest outdoor space to sip on something cold and buzzy. The Hyde Park Garden in the Mandarin Oriental is the perfect spot in Knightsbridge to sit down for an alfresco drink on those warmer days. On the menu you’ll find plenty of English summer sparkles like Sussex-grown blanc de noir, alongside a selection of refreshing cold cocktails.
The menu at Hyde Park Garden is curated by the team behind the cult-favourite Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, and it’s packed with native botanicals and locally sourced produce. Drinks and dinner in this secluded royal park garden isn’t exactly a pop-in-after-work casual affair, but it’s a treat that will leave a lasting impression, particularly if you’re just visiting the city.
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The Franklin Bar
Every London district has its own unique over-the-top, roaring twenties art deco venue, and in Knightsbridge, it’s the dazzling Franklin Bar. Located in the five-star The Franklin hotel, this intimate bar delivers a beautiful selection of champagnes and expertly-mixed cocktails, all served in sleek minimalist glassware. Here you’ll find mirrored walls, plush charcoal velvet seating, and an all-round relaxed, speakeasy atmosphere.
Unlike other five-star hotel bars in Knightsbridge, The Franklin Bar delivers a classic bar menu, with unpretentious items like club sandwiches, pizzas and burgers on the menu. If you’re craving some serious fine dining though (lobsters, glazed duck, you name it), you’ll find it in the lovely The Franklin Restaurant by Alfredo Russo, which is just a few metres away.
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Baccarat Bar
If there’s anything more ubiquitous to Knightsbridge than its army of five-star hotels, it’s Harrods. This iconic department store is home to a huge range of designer brands and high-end retailers, but it’s also home to some fantastic bars. If you want to escape the sensory overload of department shopping and decompress over a cocktail, Baccarat Bar on the lower ground floor is a secret delight.
As you might expect from a historic crystal retailer (Baccarat), all drinks at this Knightsbridge basement bar are served in picture-perfect Baccarat crystal glassware. You’ll find flavour combinations here that you won’t find elsewhere in the city: the vermouth-based Mary Magdalene for instance is made with olive oil, sherry and a savoury tomato consommé, while the colourful Acai punch is crafted with Haitian rum and purified banana purée.
Baccarat Bar is the perfect spot for a quiet date-night, or for a solo recharge after a day of shopping.
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Final take
Knightsbridge is ultimately a district of luxury hotels, so it’s no surprise that it’s home to some of the swankiest bars in the city. In these six venues, you can enjoy unparalleled attention to detail, thoughtfully crafted drink menus and a level of attentive service that elevates your night into an exclusive experience.
